OXFORD – “Sometimes all that is needed is a simple ‘thank you’ directed at the veteran or the family member for his or her sacrifice.” stated Dale Dewey, Second Vice-Commander and Chaplain for the Oxford American Legion Fort Hill Post #376.
Saying “thank you” was the prevalent message conveyed by the Fort Hill Legion at the Veterans Day ceremony held at the traditional “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.” Outside, the flag was half-mast; inside, a bell was tolled eleven times. The Post #376 Commander, Fred Baker, presided and Legion officers and guest Mayor Terry Stark made speeches. Legion family: Legionnaires, Auxiliary, and Sons of the American Legion and community members came to commemorate the services of veterans of all wars.
Sylvia Witchella, Oxford ALA Unit President, recited the Legion Auxiliary’s prayer for “Veterans Day” and “A Freedom Blessing.” Other speakers included Ron Blanford, the Legion’s First Vice-Commander and Roger Jeffrey, the Third Vice-Commander.
Guest speaker, Village of Oxford Mayor Terry Stark thanked the Oxford Post #376 for all the many important things they do for the community. He held an Oxford Review-Times from Nov. 8, and pointed to numerous events published that included the American Red Cross blood drive, the Band Boosters BBQ, the state Legion Commander’s dinner, and more …all held at the Legion.
Mayor Stark discussed the declining number of WWII veterans that survive today. At the rate they are passing, they will all be gone in just seven years. It was an alarming realization for most of the audience, and Stark stressed the importance of thanking a WWII veteran while we still can.
One such veteran that Terry Stark personally talked about trying to contact, was Carl H. Gawenus of North Norwich. Terry read the moving vet’s letter to the editor published in The Evening Sun on Nov. 10. Gawenus volunteered to serve his country, for just one year, on his twenty-second birthday in 1941. He actually wound up serving five years when Pearl Harbor was bombed. Gawenus ended his letter with a moving valediction, “God’s Richest Blessings to All Veterans and God Bless America.” The Mayor vowed to reach Gawenus and express his gratitude. He also urged everyone in Oxford to say “thank you” to a veteran.
Fort Hill Post #376 Commander, Fred Baker suggested that people should go to the NYS Veterans’ Home and take some time to say “hello” to a veteran. Home residents welcome visitors and would greatly enjoy meeting and talking with you. Too much of their days are spent in solemn solitude.
The gathering moved outdoors for a ceremony to restore the flag to full mast. The American Legion color guard, under the direction of Past Commander Raymond Krygier, readied their rifles to salute; they aimed, and fired three volleys. First vice Ron Blanford slowly raised the American flag while Donald Sheldon, played Taps on his trumpet to perfection.